Jon Jones would love to put his rivalry with the legendary Daniel Cormier behind him for good. “Bones” has the UFC 309 PPV and Stipe Miocic to look forward to in a day’s time. Hence, he’s willing to let the great rivalry be bygones. Multiple fighters have tried to initiate peace between the fighters in the past. Now, ‘Bones’ said as much during the recent pre-fight conference.
Jon Jones has beaten Cormier twice for the title. It was one of the most heated rivalries in UFC competition that even leaked through outside the cage. However, Jones’ knockout win in their rematch at UFC 214 was overturned to a no contest after a positive test for turinabol metabolite. It is something Daniel Cormier often alludes to in his equations. However, ahead of UFC 309, ‘Bones’ is willing to let it go.
Yeah, I’d love to bury that hatchet with DC,…You know, literally every time I see him, I try to give him a smile, I try to give him a handshake and I don’t think – I just recently found out he doesn’t like that…So, I think I’ll just give him a little friendly wave from a distance from now on. That’s all over for me a long time ago.
Jon Jones during Thursday’s UFC 309 press conference
Every time they’ve crossed paths, Jones has tried to approach ‘DC’ in a friendly manner he says. But Daniel Cormier only recently revealed that he hasn’t been warm to the idea. He doesn’t see the bad blood ending on a positive side note and he’s okay with that. The way the duo have crossed paths is stuff of legends. However, the veteran analyst has tried to give Jones credit where credit is due.
Cormier will be on the commentary duty for Jones’ return at UFC 309. He was also there when Jones won the vacant heavyweight strap in march of 2023 vs. Ciryl Gane. The retired star also received much criticism for making a disappointed face on the broadcast. Earlier in the week, Jones also did his part to pronounce Cormier as one of his toughest challenges.
Jon Jones calls former UFC rival ‘most skilled’ opponent of his career
Heavyweight champion Jones makes his first title defense against Stipe Miocic after one more sleep.”Bones” is a character that has fought and survived all. This has given in to some of the biggest showdowns in combat sports history.
Stipe Miocic not Jon Jones’ toughest challenge ahead of UFC 309 (Source: X/IMAGO)Jones fought generations of light heavyweight elite during his reign. He has victories over former champs Mauricio Rua, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Rashad Evans, Vitor Belfort and Glover Teixeira. One of them has been with Daniel ‘DC’ Cormier. When asked if former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic is his most skilled roster-roost till date, Jones went the other way.
I think actually Daniel Cormier is probably the most skilled, …His Olympic-level wrestling, his dirty boxing, and his boxing. But, Stipe’s beat Daniel Cormier. Stipe, he deserves to be here, man.
Jon Jones during Wednesday’s UFC 309 media day conference interviews
Jones alluded that Stipe Miocic fared well with his lean-ins and pockets against Olympian Cormier. He billed that Miocic deserved to be here as his top bill challenger. But given what he himself did to Cormier and the convoluted history between this trio, Miocic will be just the same.
